Kirk Herbstreit has an issue with members of the sports media not showing objectivity, and one of his ESPN colleagues did not appreciate being brought into the conversation.
During a recent appearance on the “Net Positive with John Crist” podcast, Herbstreit was asked if he agrees with the idea that there is no longer objectivity within sports media. The former Ohio State quarterback spoke about how he prides himself on not showing bias toward the Buckeyes since he is a color analyst.
Herbstreit said he feels it is appropriate for media personalities like Pat McAfee and Bill Simmons to openly support their teams. He believes it becomes an issue, however, when someone in his position or an anchor like Elle Duncan shows a clear rooting interest.
“You watch ‘SportsCenter’ and Elle Duncan is sitting there cheering for Georgia,” Herbstreit said, via Sam Neumann of Awful Announcing. “She’s openly cheering. I’m not a fan of that personally. I think it hurts your credibility. When that team is playing other teams, fans are looking at you like … Pat’s different, I think.”
Duncan is from Atlanta and a big Georgia fan. She caught wind of Herbstreit’s comments and responded via social media. She said she does not feel her support of the Bulldogs has any impact on her ability to do her job at ESPN. Duncan also questioned why she was “singled out” by Herbstreit.
“Didn’t have this on my bingo card for today but my fandom doesn’t impact in any way what or how we talk about teams on air. Ever. I…JUST..BARK?? (sic) Also **whispers** I’m not the only one. So why I get singled out?” Duncan wrote on X.
Didn’t have this on my bingo card for today but my fandom doesn’t impact in any way what or how we talk about teams on air. Ever. I…JUST..BARK?? Also **whispers** I’m not the only one. So why I get singled out?
— Elle Duncan (@elleduncanESPN) July 4, 2025
Herbstreit insisted that he never treats Ohio State differently from other teams. He has been very vocal in supporting Ryan Day, though he has trashed Buckeyes fans while defending the coach.
Herbstreit admitted he was emotional after Ohio State won a national title last year, but he tries his best not to let how he feels about the program impact his booth duties with ESPN.
Duncan was probably just the first person who popped into Herbstreit’s mind, but she felt it was unfair of him to use her as an example.
